About Us

Vision

To make our communities the best place to do business. 

Mission

To give a voice to the economic and business interests of Wadena County and surrounding communities by providing educational, networking, and advocacy resources and opportunities.

Our History

The Economic Alliance (the Alliance) was formed as a private, not-for-profit in 2011 from the need for a voice for economic development in our area of West Central Minnesota. With the goal of collaboration and flexibility in mind, the Alliance was organized to represent both public and private interests, and not to be confined to a defined governmental boundary. 

Today, the Alliance consists of an Executive Board of volunteers representing banking, government, non-profit, and private industry interests and a full-time Executive Director who carries out the day-to-day operations and strategic mission of the Alliance. 

The Alliance currently serves all of Wadena County and the City of New York Mills.

Strategic Plan

Our Strategic Plan, was approved by our Executive Board in June of 2018. The plan is designed to provide a roadmap for the activities of the Alliance. It contains a description of the three pillars of the Alliance--education, networking, and advocacy-- as well as priorities and strategies for implementation. The foundation of this strategic plan is input from community and business leaders. It was their dreams and concerns for the region that shaped and guided this document and will continue to shape and guide the Alliance for years to come.

Pillars of the Alliance

The pillars derive from the mission of the Alliance, which is "To give a voice to the economic and business interests of Wadena County and surrounding communities by providing educational, networking, and advocacy resources and opportunities." 

The purpose of these pillars is to provide a foundation for all of the activities of the Alliance. They are designed to be adaptable to different projects and objectives as community needs and trends change. 

Education

The purpose of this pillar is for the Alliance to provide training and resources on topics that are crucial for business and regional success.

Tools for implementation include, but are not limited to:

  • Communication and Public Relations-- including the Alliance website, social media accounts, press releases, marketing campaigns, newsletters, etc. 
  • Facilitating and promoting classes, events, etc., with the purpose of providing information on topics pertinent to businesses and the community
  • 1:1 consultation with entrepreneurs and business owners

Networking

The purpose of this pillar is for the Alliance to connect business and community members to share ideas and solve problems.

Tools for implementation include, but are not limited to:

  • The Alliance participation in the community
  • Facilitating collaboration between civic and business members to promote engagement and seek solutions for collective issues

Advocacy

The purpose of this pillar is for the Alliance to serve as a voice at the regional, state, and federal level for the economic interests of Wadena County and surrounding communities.

Tools for implementation include, but are not limited to:

  • Grant Writing
  • Responding to Requests for Information from prospective businesses
  • Participating in the legislative process
  • Communication and Public Relations-- including the Alliance website, social media accounts, press releases, marketing campaigns, newsletters, etc.